Former Apple employee worked two jobs for eight months before launching startup

Julie Zhu spent eight months working two jobs before leaving Apple to pursue her startup full time. She worked roughly 13 to 14 hours a day while building Odd One In, an artist collectibles company she co-founded with a friend.

“

The business was still not on track.

About 95% of the people Zhu consulted urged her to resign immediately. Instead, she created a list of conditions for leaving. She wanted a business idea she genuinely believed in, a basic team, and enough savings and assets to cover three to five years of living and business expenses. She also wanted her parents’ support, particularly during a wave of layoffs in the technology sector.

Zhu, 29, began working at Apple in 2022. She appreciated the experience but said the high-pressure environment left her feeling stressed and affected by impostor syndrome. After Odd One In was formally established in December 2024, she ran it outside her Apple hours after confirming that company rules allowed her to do so.

“

The financial foundation was not yet stable.

Her routine began at 5:30 a.m. with exercise. She worked on the startup from 6 to 8 a.m., went to Apple, then returned to the business after dinner and often continued until 10:30 p.m. Setting clear goals and milestones helped her test whether entrepreneurship suited her before giving up stable employment.

“

Waiting for my elders’ approval.

By August 2025, the growing business made the dual workload difficult to sustain. Zhu also felt that continuing to divide her attention would be unfair to her Apple team. After her conditions were met, she left Apple after four years. Odd One In has since begun generating revenue, with nearly $100,000 in annual revenue last year, but Zhu still takes no salary. The company has received no outside investment and uses founder savings to cover production, storage, artist fees and other operating costs.

“

Be brave, jump, and figure it out afterward.